A senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official said Friday that the CPC would cooperate with the political parties in Franc to promote relations between the two countries.

"The CPC is willing to further exchange and cooperation with all political parties in France, including the Communist Party of France (CPF) to boost the state-to-state relations between China and France," said Luo Gan, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee of the CPC.

During a meeting with a CPF delegation headed by Marie-George Buffet, its national secretary, Luo said Sino-French relations in the political, economic, scientific and technological, and cultural fields have grown quickly since the two countries established diplomatic ties 40 years ago.

Reciprocal "Culture Year" celebrations in the two countries have deepened their friendship and understanding, Luo said. "The further development of Sino-French relations complies with the common interests of the two people, and will be beneficial to world peace and stability."

Buffet expressed optimism for the smooth development of Sino-French relations, saying that China's economic achievements will be beneficial not only to itself, but also to world peace.

"The CPF has long placed importance on developing relations with the CPC and will increase exchange and cooperation with the CPC," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2004)